10 Best Backpack Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler is a great choice if you want a hands-free way to carry drinks or food while keeping them cold. It holds about 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice, which suits small outings or day trips. Thanks to its ColdCell insulation, it does a solid job keeping your items chilly for hours. Its DryHide shell material is tough and resistant to punctures and sun damage, making it durable enough for outdoor adventures. The MagShield Access feature uses magnets to keep the cooler sealed tight against leaks but also lets you open it easily, which is handy.

At around 3.4 kilograms (or 7.5 pounds), it's not the lightest backpack but carries comfortably due to smart design and multiple handles. The built-in HitchPoint Grid is a nice touch, allowing you to attach extra gear like toolkits or bottle openers. On the downside, its 6.3-liter capacity might feel limited if you need to carry larger loads or longer trips. Also, while waterproof and leak-resistant, you should avoid submerging it fully in water.

This backpack cooler suits campers, hikers, or anyone needing a reliable, portable cooler that blends durability and ease of use without being overly bulky.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler in Charcoal is designed for those who need to keep their beverages or ice cold while having their hands free. With the capacity to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, it offers ample storage for a day trip or a small gathering. The MAGSHIELD Access feature is a standout, with durable magnets that provide an ultra leak-resistant seal, making it easy to open and close the cooler securely. The closed-cell foam insulation, known as COLDCELL, ensures impressive cold retention, keeping your items frosty for extended periods.

The high-density DRYHIDE Shell material enhances durability by resisting punctures and UV rays, which is vital for outdoor use. Comfort is addressed with its backpack design, distributing weight evenly for easier carrying. Additionally, the external Kangaroo Pocket provides convenient storage for small essentials like phones, keys, or condiments. Weighing approximately 3.06 kilograms, it is relatively lightweight for its size and capacity.

However, some users might find the weight a bit heavy when fully loaded, especially over long distances. The price point may also be a consideration, as YETI products tend to be on the higher end. Ideal for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this cooler combines functionality with durability but may not be necessary for casual users who need a simpler and more affordable option.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Cooler in Wild Vine Red is a versatile option for those who need a reliable cooler for outdoor activities. With a capacity of up to 16 cans plus ice, it offers sufficient space for a day out. Its ColdCell Insulation, made of closed-cell foam, ensures excellent cold retention, outperforming many standard soft coolers. This makes it suitable for day-long activities like hunting, fishing, or picnicking.

The 100% leakproof HydroLok Zipper and high-density fabric, which resists punctures and UV rays, add to its durability, ensuring that the cooler can handle rough outdoor conditions. The DryHide Shell, being waterproof and resistant to punctures and abrasions, further enhances its ruggedness. Weighing 5.1 lbs when empty, the cooler is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around. However, some might find it a bit bulky due to its dimensions (15 2/3 in x 10 1/5 in x 12 3/5 in).

Comfort-wise, the design is user-friendly for full day use, though it may lack some ergonomic features like padded straps. Additional features like its durable construction and superior insulation make it stand out. On the downside, the price might be on the higher end compared to other coolers, but the quality and performance can justify the cost for serious outdoor enthusiasts.